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Handling

coxy1130

coxy1130

New member
Hey I did try and have a look around using the search but couldnt really find anything specific so I thought I would make a new thread as I'm sure new owners and those of us less acquainted with the temperament of baby corns will find useful.

Ok so here goes. I was wondering about handling general stuff really.


  • How long should you handle a baby corn for I've heard little and often 15 minute sessions but how long should you leave them before holding them again. Mines 3 months old so I'm assuming thats still a baby.

  • How often once twice three times a day whats ideal and whats too much.

  • Should you avoid putting your snake on any surface other than feeding boxes, the interior of their viv etc. For example desk, keyboard (as they hold a lot of bacteria) coffee table.

  • Whats the best thing to do when your handling your snake to make them feel secure we've all heard about keeping them above your lap away from heights.

  • What do corn snakes really dislike when being handled, for example is it safe to restrict the snakes movement (not that I've ever tried except for an escape attempt).

  • Is it ok for them to sit around your neck like some people do as they get older, can this cause stress, other anxiety problems. Can this be harmful to you as I have heard that snakes can carry bacteria that can be harmful to yourself. Or is this really something to do with the temperament of your snake.
Any other good guidelines would be greatly appreciated as I'm sure other people would benefit greatly from this advice as well as me.
 
What a cute corn!
Personally I don't handle the hatchlings much at all. I want them to use their energy for growing. As they get a bit bigger and are feeding well, I'll handle them for @ 10-20 mins a couple of times a week. By then they are used to me moving them to and from their feeding tubs so they don't panic like when they're small.
I don't tend to put them on any surfaces because they're quick and I've got cats.
Steady hand movements are best so they don't startle. Letting them wind around your fingers and around your wrist is nice to do. They tend to react badly to having their head/neck area restricted, but a gentle grip to control them going through your hands is usually tolerated.
I don't often put snakes around my neck, because they always climb into my hair, and because handling can stimulate them to poop, and I don't want poop in my hair or down my back.
Most corns settle and tolerate handling well as they get bigger.
 
I'd say don't worry too much about "set handling times". As long as you let your hatchling cruise through your fingers and around your hands they will remain calm and explore instead of constantly escape. If they seem stressed, put them back. If I had to a guess, I probably hold my snake about a half an hour, once-twice a day, except 2 days after feeding.
If you have a calm hatchling, it's usually no problem to let 'em cruise around flat surfaces, such as tables and desks, as long as they're no obvious dangers or places to escape. My snake enjoys the keyboard. If the snake is skittish, it's better to stick to your own hands.
Try your best never to restrict it's movements enless it's so skittish you have no choice. That stressed a hatchling out very easily.
Adult corn snakes also don't do well around people's necks, I've noticed. They explore your hair, down your shirt, and tend to squeeze a bit. It's not dangerous, but a little scary, so it's better to not do that. :]
 
All animals do carry bacteria such as salmonella's and e-coli strains along with others. Before and after handling you should always wash your hands with an antibacterial soap and warm/hot water as a precaution especially if you are pooed on, lol! After feeding as mentioned always wait 2-3 days to avoid a regurge and keep handling to a minimum at first gradually increasing time intervals. I was told to handle for 5-10 minutes once a day unless after a feeding and increase slowly to 10-20 minutes, but remember they can be fiesty so be careful letting it explore. Also if your snake is like mine he is extra fiesty and for the first few minutes is stressed and spazzy which is normal. Do not put him down and instead handle him until he settles down. I have always done this with other species I keep and was told the same applies for corns. If they know you will put them down when they act crazy some may do this just to avoid you handling them. It takes Jackson awhile to stop trying to get away, but I have found if you are wearing a watch or hair scrunchie they dig wrapping around it and calm down slightly quicker because they feel secure having something to coil around. Have fun!!
 
I don't really handle mine much, but the ones I do are over a year old. I like to leave them alone as much as possible until then.
 
It depends on the snake also, a calmer snake wont care how much you handle it but a not so calm snake is going to care. My boy is VERY laid back, the only time he gets moving is when I have him outside in the grass. Otherwise he is happy to wiggle through my fingers and around my arm or on what ever I put him on to take pictures. Even as a baby, I got him at 3 months I handled him 20 mins a day after giving him time to settle in. He did not care. Get to know your snake and when he starts stressing out put him away and cut back on the time you have him out for.
 
hi everyone,i'm a new owner,and all your replies have helped me,thanks,but a lot of people keep mentioning "if your snake gets stressed",but how do u tell the difference between moving around and stressed out?Anybody?
 
One of the ways you can tell if they're stressed is they will startle (jump) when touched or when they detect sudden movement. They will also frantically try to find a place to hide.

My little boy hates to be handled and you can just tell when you hold him that he'd rather be anywhere but there.
 
Plus they will do the death roll, where they squirm and throw themselves around like crazy trying to get away from you. Some hatchlings are more skittish then others--get to know your snake and learn how it reacts, and that will help you determine how often to hold it and when. My first snake I got is as chill as can be, and has been a joy to handle since I got him, my next two snakes HATE to be held. They sometimes calm down, but frequently stress and try to escape and do the death roll squirm. Needless to say I don't hold them much!
 
Thanks for the replies,my snake jumps at first touch,then slithers over my hands,sometimes curls up in my palm,but hasn't done a death roll or anything.I try and hold him for a few mins each day(except when just fed)so he gets tame.Am i on the right path?
 
I think you can see each person has their own ideas of how/when to handle the snake. The bottom line is get to know your snake and do as he wishes. My snake is 5 months old and is very relaxed. He doesn't mind being held and he doesn't mind being left alone! I think that is the best way for you to handle your little guy.....read his personality and go from there! Good Luck!
 
Yeah thats fine leave em for around 48 hours after feeding as otherwise you may induce a regurge other than that all seems fine mines fairly young to and he can be a little skittish when I first try and take him out but he relaxes after a few seconds.
 
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